New Frontier Chroniclehttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org
The official news source of The Salvation Army USA Western TerritoryTue, 18 Dec 2018 20:57:13 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9Salvation Army steps up last minute to host cold weather shelter in Missoulahttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/salvation-army-steps-up-last-minute-to-host-cold-weather-shelter-in-missoula/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/salvation-army-steps-up-last-minute-to-host-cold-weather-shelter-in-missoula/#respondTue, 18 Dec 2018 17:31:29 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27159Following a six-weeklong sprint to get city approval and raise $50,000, The Salvation Army in Missoula, Montana, is gearing up to open an overnight warming center for the homeless population. The organization is anticipating roughly 40 guests a night, who will be seeking shelter from frigid overnight temperatures that could soon crater to single digits. […]

]]>Following a six-weeklong sprint to get city approval and raise $50,000, The Salvation Army in Missoula, Montana, is gearing up to open an overnight warming center for the homeless population.

The organization is anticipating roughly 40 guests a night, who will be seeking shelter from frigid overnight temperatures that could soon crater to single digits.

The facility will be a “damp” overnight shelter, meaning guests won’t have to complete a Breathalyzer test—often a barrier to entry—but they also won’t be able to bring alcohol inside.

While it’s an ambitious undertaking, it wasn’t until October that The Salvation Army turned its attention to the project. The agency that had been operating the cold weather shelter in Missoula announced late in the month that it wouldn’t be running its facility this winter.

“When we heard about that, we knew there was still a great need for this in the community,” said Captain Josh Boyd, Missoula Corps Officer. “So we asked ourselves, ‘Can we make this happen? Can we pull this off so late in the season with the cold weather already upon us?’ We knew it would take a miracle, but here we are.”

After some initial pushback on the project from local officials, Missoula City Council fast-tracked the interim zoning ordinance for the new shelter through April 1, a process that typically takes around three months. At that point, the biggest remaining hurdle was corralling the necessary funds.

With the help of several area groups and GoFundMe campaigns launched by the United Way and local engineering firm DJ&A, The Salvation Army eclipsed its $50,000 goal, the lot of which will be used for staffing.

Several donors, including Sandy Evans, expressed their support of the project on the DJ&A GoFundMe page.

“We decided we would rather donate to this great cause and reduce our holiday spending,” she said. “Everyone should have a warm place to go on a cold night. This is the season of giving.”

According to Boyd, if everything comes through as expected the center may even exceed its goal, at which point funds will be set aside for “tangible assistance” items such as socks and hygiene products.

The Poverello Center, a nearby overnight shelter, is consistently at-capacity with 175 guests a night and forced to turn people away, so the warming center can’t come soon enough.

The Salvation Army is currently hiring four regular and four on-call employees at a rate of $12 an hour. The organization is targeting a Christmas eve opening, though no official date has been set.

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/salvation-army-steps-up-last-minute-to-host-cold-weather-shelter-in-missoula/feed/0President of Estonia and First Lady of Poland witness The Salvation Army at workhttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/president-of-estonia-and-first-lady-of-poland-witness-the-salvation-army-at-work/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/president-of-estonia-and-first-lady-of-poland-witness-the-salvation-army-at-work/#respondThu, 13 Dec 2018 22:56:50 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27155Estonia’s President Kersti Kaljulaid made an informal visit to The Salvation Army Narva Corps as part of a program in which she met with several active community groups in the northeastern city. At the time, the corps was hosting its weekly Alpha Course, an interactive introduction to the basics of the Christian faith. The President […]

]]>Estonia’s President Kersti Kaljulaid made an informal visit to The Salvation Army Narva Corps as part of a program in which she met with several active community groups in the northeastern city. At the time, the corps was hosting its weekly Alpha Course, an interactive introduction to the basics of the Christian faith. The President took time to speak with the participants.

Corps Officers Majors Mihail and Liudmila Baglai welcomed Kaljulaid.During the 40-minute visit,Mihail Baglai gave the President a souvenir of Salvation Army items handmade by the corps’ fellowship group. The President reciprocated, presenting her own gift and signing the corps’ visitors book. In a private meeting, the Baglais detailed the Army’s extensive community work in Narva.

“We are proud that the President chose to visit the corps, and we believe this to be a fitting recognition of the very full program of community and evangelical work undertaken by the Narva Corps,” Mihail Baglai said.

The event followed a special training day in the capital, Tallinn, when people from across the country gathered to learn about The Salvation Army’s background, roots and beliefs, and to think about the present and future of The Salvation Army in Estonia.

Meanwhile, in Poland, the country’s First Lady, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, endorsed Salvation Army ministry during a fundraising event in Warsaw. She visited The Salvation Army’s stall at the annual International Charity Bazaar, put on by the country’s Spouses of Heads of Mission organization.

The First Lady thanked Salvation Army staff and volunteers for their “great ministry in 2018 for the poor people of Poland…as you do always.” She also asked about the diverse programs being implemented by The Salvation Army in the country, including a summer camp planned for children and young people next year.

“It was a great encouragement for us that Agata Kornhauser-Duda chose to spend time with us talking about The Salvation Army and our mission here in Poland,” said Warsaw Praga-Północ Corps Officer Lieutenant Oleh Samoilenko. “She was excited about the many ways that we are sharing the gospel and meeting human needs without discrimination here, and in our growth in the country since she first met us in 2016.”

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/president-of-estonia-and-first-lady-of-poland-witness-the-salvation-army-at-work/feed/0The Salvation Army opens first polytechnic in Liberiahttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-salvation-army-opens-first-polytechnic-in-liberia/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-salvation-army-opens-first-polytechnic-in-liberia/#respondThu, 13 Dec 2018 19:16:46 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27153Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton, International Secretary for Program Resources, officiated at the polytechnic’s launch. The Salvation Army in Liberia has broadened its education capacity with the opening of a polytechnic earlier this year that will award degrees and other tertiary qualifications. Education is a major need in Liberia, which is rebuilding after years of civil unrest […]

]]>Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton, International Secretary for Program Resources, officiated at the polytechnic’s launch.

The Salvation Army in Liberia has broadened its education capacity with the opening of a polytechnic earlier this year that will award degrees and other tertiary qualifications. Education is a major need in Liberia, which is rebuilding after years of civil unrest and still recovering from the 2014–15 outbreak of Ebola.

According to the CIA World Factbook, just 47 percent of the country’s 4.8 million population is literate, with most of Liberia’s children and young people living in communities with little or no opportunity for formal education. Within this context, and with a 25-year heritage of providing primary and secondary education in the country, The Salvation Army has opened its first polytechnic in the nation’s capital, Monrovia.

The building—opposite Monrovia City Hall and adjacent to the United Nations complex in the city—was constructed with financial support from The Salvation Army’s Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory between 2004–2008. However, it was not until 2017 that the country’s Commission on Higher Education accredited the institution, bestowing the right to run tertiary education programs and offer associate degrees in various disciplines.

Lt. Colonels Samuel and Mary Mkami, who oversee The Salvation Army Liberia and Sierra Leone Command, attended the official opening of the polytechnic, along with guests including government officials and representatives from partners and other missions across Liberia. Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton, International Secretary for Program Resources, traveled from International Headquarters in London to lead the dedication event.

“I feel humbled to be the one to officially launch this polytechnic to the service of God for the benefit of humanity in this nation and the world,” Brekke-Clifton said. “It is my anticipation that this new polytechnic will be a place of inspiration and hope for the future of the young people of Liberia.” She reminded students that their intellect is a “gift from God,” before sharing a prayer of dedication.

Three hundred students are already enrolled, studying for diplomas and associate degrees in a range of disciplines from building construction and electrical engineering to auto mechanics, electronics and computer science. Other courses include teacher training, marketing, procurement and contract management as well as theology, nursing and human resources management. A host of qualified and experienced faculty members have been appointed, including the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Pah K. Suku, an experienced educator in both the American and Liberian education systems.

Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey, the polytechnic’s president, reflected on his first four months, which included the renovation of the college’s main building and the recruitment of the first intake of tertiary-level students. Outlining his vision, he said, “the future of the school will be bright,” as he spoke about the prospects of adding subject areas such as agriculture and renewable energy technology. He called on national and international partners to support the polytechnic.

Speaking on behalf of President of Liberia George Weah, the Reverend Emmanuel Nimely, National Religious Advisor, thanked The Salvation Army for its contribution to the Liberian education system and praised the organization for its newest undertaking. He told attendees that the President is pleased with both the spiritual and social support of the mission and pledged his government’s continuous partnership with The Salvation Army in Liberia.

From a report by David S. Massaquoi

The Salvation Army in Liberia continues to operate 12 primary and secondary schools and a vocational institution covering six of Liberia’s 15 political subdivisions, with a strategic vision of reaching all of the country.

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-salvation-army-opens-first-polytechnic-in-liberia/feed/0Salvation Army celebrates 100 years of marching in Rose Paradehttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/salvation-army-celebrates-100-years-of-marching-in-rose-parade/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/salvation-army-celebrates-100-years-of-marching-in-rose-parade/#commentsThu, 13 Dec 2018 19:12:40 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27118The milestone anniversary comes with a bigger, more diverse band. By Hillary Jackson – This New Year’s Day, The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band will march in the world-famous Rose Parade like it has 100 times before. With the centennial anniversary of the Army’s participation comes a bigger—and more diverse—band. Typically, around 180 Salvationists […]

This New Year’s Day, The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band will march in the world-famous Rose Parade like it has 100 times before. With the centennial anniversary of the Army’s participation comes a bigger—and more diverse—band.

Typically, around 180 Salvationists march down Pasadena’s Colorado Avenue each year. The group is usually comprised of Southern California-area band members, a guest band and individuals from other territories.

This year, more than 400 people will participate, with guest bands coming from New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Canada and the other American territories, plus individuals coming from Brazil, South Africa, Jamaica and India.

While band members journey from around the world to participate, The Salvation Army Rose Parade Band is organized by the California South divisional music department, led by Bandmaster Kevin Larsson, who will have served in the post for 18 years this parade.

“It is the world’s biggest open air,” Larsson said. “That’s why we keep on investing into it…we’re playing ‘Amazing Grace’ or ‘Stand up for Jesus’ and often the name of the song is displayed on TV, so we can reach millions, millions and millions with that ministry.”

Bands will start to arrive Dec. 26 to stay at Camp Mt. Crags and will have a full agenda. They’ll gather together and practice once before the Rose Bowl Parade on Dec. 30 for two hours in the parking lot of the StubHub Center in Carson.

“One of the main challenges we have is that the bands that participate practice for hours every morning for years to actually be in the parade, and we only have one rehearsal,” said Jacqui Larsson, California South Assistant Divisional Program Secretary. “That’s going to be literally the only time that the bands are together with the locals to practice for the parade…we just have to expect and hope that they’ve memorized it all by the time they get here.”

This year, participants will attend an international music school at Camp Mt. Crags, and will be broken into eight international sub bands that will perform at local corps throughout the week.

“When they get to camp they’re not going to be playing in the bands that they traveled with; they’re going to be playing mixed up, so we want good fellowship and meeting new people,” Jacqui Larsson said.

At the end of the time together, the bands will have a joint concert at the Tustin Ranch Corps on Jan. 2., 2019, and will perform in a parade at Disneyland on Jan. 3.

Among the international attendees is Ken Waterworth, a bandmaster traveling from Melbourne, Australia, with a youth band from the Australia Territory. Waterworth marched in the Rose Parade in 2014, when he brought the Australia Southern Territory Youth Band.

“This is a significant opportunity for young Salvationists from Australia to join together with young people from all over the Army world to represent The Salvation Army at this prestigious event. For us it will be a wonderful march of witness,” Waterworth said. “We are praying that this experience, both the parade and music school, will create lifelong memories for these young people and encourage them in their ministry.”

Recently retired CEO of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association and bandmaster at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps, Bill Flinn said in a single block, The Salvation Army band can pass up to 25,000 people, while millions around the world tune in to watch the parade.

“The Salvation Army is one of two Christian organizations that are in the Rose Parade,” Flinn said. “The Tournament of Roses hears from many people about the enjoyment of having a Salvation Army band there, but I think a from a Salvation Army perspective, it is…probably the largest exposure that The Salvation Army has in any one given effort.”

The Salvation Army is the longest continual band that’s marched in the Rose Parade, morphing from the small Pasadena Tabernacle Corps band that first appeared in 1920 to including individuals from around the world today.

“It’s still a thrill when you are marching down Colorado Boulevard with the million or so people, and they kind of sing along as well,” Kevin Larsson said. “People certainly love The Salvation Army and they make that known as we’re marching down.”

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/salvation-army-celebrates-100-years-of-marching-in-rose-parade/feed/1The Salvation Army in Strasbourg, France, offers comfort after fatal shootinghttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-salvation-army-in-strasbourg-france-offers-comfort-after-fatal-shooting/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-salvation-army-in-strasbourg-france-offers-comfort-after-fatal-shooting/#respondThu, 13 Dec 2018 03:40:28 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27149Thousands of visitors to the traditional Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, were caught up in a shooting incident on the evening of Dec. 11. Two people were killed in the attack, with 14 injured, several critically. The Salvation Army’s Strasbourg Corps is close to the scene of the shooting, and police instructed volunteers preparing for […]

]]>Thousands of visitors to the traditional Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, were caught up in a shooting incident on the evening of Dec. 11. Two people were killed in the attack, with 14 injured, several critically. The Salvation Army’s Strasbourg Corps is close to the scene of the shooting, and police instructed volunteers preparing for the next morning’s breakfast for people experiencing homelessness to remain in the building; they were there until late into the night.

Once the authorities had ascertained the area’s safety, The Salvation Army opened its center to the public and remained open throughout the day, receiving people who wanted to rest, drink coffee or speak about what happened. Prayer was available to those who wanted it.

In addition, four teams of Salvation Army volunteers headed onto Strasbourg’s streets, providing coffee and a listening ear to people shocked by the events of the night. Special efforts were made to connect with the city’s refugee population, many of whom don’t have people they can talk to for reassurance.

“Usually at this time of year we are on the streets fundraising with our red kettles,” said Strasbourg Corps Officer Major Joël Etcheverry. “But today we decided to share hope, compassion and light. We met policemen, military personnel, tourists, shopkeepers and many Strasbourg people, [a] few [of] whom were there during the terrorist attack. We had very deep moments with as many as 150 people. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.”

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-salvation-army-in-strasbourg-france-offers-comfort-after-fatal-shooting/feed/0The General launches Australia Territoryhttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-general-launches-australia-territory/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/the-general-launches-australia-territory/#respondWed, 12 Dec 2018 22:39:38 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27141General Brian Peddle launched The Salvation Army Australia Territory as a single united entity Nov. 30 during the week-long “Still Others” event in Melbourne. The launch concluded a 10-day visit for the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries), during which they also traveled to Sydney and Brisbane. The new Australia Territory […]

]]>General Brian Peddle launched The Salvation Army Australia Territory as a single united entity Nov. 30 during the week-long “Still Others” event in Melbourne. The launch concluded a 10-day visit for the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries), during which they also traveled to Sydney and Brisbane.

The new Australia Territory officially began operations Dec. 1, replacing the Australia Eastern and Australia Southern territories. Australia has not functioned as a single territory since 1921, when the two separate territories were formed.

The General answers a question during a ‘Coffee with the General’ session.

During the launch, the General officially appointed Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd as territorial leaders and presented the new territorial flag. He also admitted Major Stella Green to the Order of the Founder for her pioneering ministry to Chinese people in Australia and Hong Kong.

The General praised the Tidds, Chief Secretary Colonel Mark Campbell and Colonel Julie Campbell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) for their efforts in joining the two territories, and thanked all who have been involved in decision-making and implementation.

Creating a single Australia territory has been a more than two-year journey that Peddle commenced in 2016 when, as Chief of the Staff, he announced in Australia’s capital Canberra that then-General André Cox had given approval for the process to begin.

In their comments, the Tidds reminded Salvationists of the words of Catherine Booth, “There is no improving the future without disturbing the present.”

They encouraged Australian Salvationists to see “the new thing” that God had already begun to do in The Salvation Army in Australia.

“Let us clearly understand that God’s ‘improved future’ is an improved future not just for us, not just for The Salvation Army, but for ‘still others,’” they said.

Hence the theme of the seven-day “Still Others” gathering, which reflects Isaiah 56:8: The Sovereign Lord declares—he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.”

Speaking at the “Together: Celebrating as One” meeting, the General said the Army in Australia is now at a starting point, adding that it is the opportunity and mission of every Salvationist to implement the vision. The commissioning of the territory’s first new officers also took place at “Still Others,” with the world leaders taking part.

The General presents Major Stella Green, accompanied by her sister, with the Order of the Founder in Sydney.

As well as officially bringing the two former Australian territories into one after almost 100 years apart, Peddle stated many times he is totally on board with the Australia Territory’s vision statement: “Wherever there is hardship or injustice Salvos will live, love, fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time, with the love of Jesus.” He and Commissioner Peddle took every possible opportunity to urge Australian Salvationists to passionately live out the vision in their local community so that Australia will be transformed through Jesus.

From a report by Lt. Colonel Laurie Robertson and a report by Bill Simpson in othersmagazine

When the Woolsey fire swept through The Salvation Army Camp Lawrence Daley at Mt. Crags, Camp Gilmore and Camp Wilderness property in November, close to 70 percent of the camp’s 531 acres were burned, Camp Director Marty Brown estimates.

While most of the facility’s more than 80 buildings were saved, the camp lost six structures,including the entire Wilderness camp, a four-building facility that housed 25 teens each week in the summer. Brown said efforts have turned to restoring the damaged property and preventing mudslides.

“We have worked closely with [Divisional Headquarters’] property and risk management department to begin the restoration efforts,” Brown said. “We have already brought in a restoration team that is helping us get back on our feet. Even though we only lost six structures, the smoke has engulfed all buildings at camp. We have needed to clean every room at camp with scrubbers and filters.”

The camp is working with a soil engineer to help navigate potential mudslides and what can be done to limit them. Wildfires leave behind burn scars, areas charred by flames devoid of vegetation, that are more susceptible to flooding after a heavy rainstorm.

“We hope to do all we can to ensure the right protectants are in place to keep this sacred camp safe,” Brown said.

The camp posted this image of the damage, along with the caption, “It’s comforting to know that even in the midst of some of our darkest and most difficult moments, we can cling to the never failing cross of Christ. God has changed lives at Wilderness camp and he will continue to do so!” | Photo by Matty Vogel

While the camp’s summer season is still months out, Brown said the camp team is aiming for the space to be operational, sans the structures that were lost, by Christmastime, when hundreds of band members from around the world will lodge there while they’re in town to march in the Rose Parade.

Applications for 2019 summer staff opened Nov. 29 with a link and the sentiment: “With all the fire and mudslide realities, we are ready to look ahead.”

“It’s important that we’ll rebuild the Wilderness camp, and that we’ll be there for those kids next summer,” Robert Brennan, director of communications for the California South Division of the Salvation Army told LAist.

During the fire, camp staff was evacuated for 17 days, and fire was on site for four days. Firefighters were posted at camp to protect it.

“We opened up all lodging, the kitchens, and even the snack shop for them to use as needed,” Brown said. “I was able to share with these firefighters about this amazing place, the kids it serves and The Salvation Army Christian camp ministry.”

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/salvation-army-summer-camp-damaged-in-fire-looks-ahead/feed/0Major Betty Lou Yardleyhttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/major-betty-lou-yardley/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/major-betty-lou-yardley/#respondTue, 11 Dec 2018 20:48:17 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27161March 15, 1931–Sept. 25, 2018 Major Betty Yardley was promoted to Glory Sept. 25 from Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento, California. Born March 15, 1931, in Hamill, South Dakota, to Eula May and Harry Harless, Betty was the youngest of their four children. In her early years, the family moved to Coos Bay, Oregon, where […]

Major Betty Yardley was promoted to Glory Sept. 25 from Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento, California.

Born March 15, 1931, in Hamill, South Dakota, to Eula May and Harry Harless, Betty was the youngest of their four children. In her early years, the family moved to Coos Bay, Oregon, where she started to regularly attend The Salvation Army after a school friend invited her.

There Betty met Elmer Yardley, and the couple later wed in 1949. They entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training as part of the Ambassadors Session. After their commissioning in 1951, they went on to serve 41 years in the following corps: East Los Angeles, Compton (California), El Paso Citadel (Texas), Albuquerque (New Mexico), Tacoma Citadel (Washington), Spokane (Washington), Tucson Temple (Arizona), Riverside (California), Long Beach Temple (California), Los Angeles Evangeline Residence, and San Francisco Citadel. They retired from active service Dec. 24, 1992.

During her time as an officer, Yardley became a mother of five who served her corps loyally and always put others before herself. Her interests included fishing, crafts, games, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her children: Ann Damant (Gordon), Elmer Yardley (Carol), Cheryl Turner (George), Carol Ridlinghafer (Rob) and Major David Yardley (Gaylene); sisters-in-law Major Betty Pearson and Kay Harless; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service took place Sept. 28 at the Sacramento Citadel Corps, with Yardley’s grandchildren, Captain Jillian O’Brien and Lt. Travis Yardley, presiding.

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/major-betty-lou-yardley/feed/0Inmates, San Diego Kroc Center team up to give 200 kids bikeshttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/inmates-san-diego-kroc-center-team-up-to-give-200-kids-bikes/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/inmates-san-diego-kroc-center-team-up-to-give-200-kids-bikes/#respondTue, 11 Dec 2018 17:55:18 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27133Inmates raised $15,000 to give bikes and accessories By Hillary Jackson – Two hundred San Diego elementary school students have new Huffy bikes this Christmas thanks to the partnership of the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility and The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center. The event marked the fourth year the San Diego Kroc […]

Two hundred San Diego elementary school students have new Huffy bikes this Christmas thanks to the partnership of the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility and The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center.

The event marked the fourth year the San Diego Kroc Center and inmates teamed up to spread Christmas cheer. The inmates raised more than $15,000 to pay for the bikes and accessories, with some donating money they earn working while incarcerated toward the cause.

Andrew Breckenridge was one of two inmates invited to attend that actual event at the Kroc Center. At the event, he was 10 days away from being released from prison. “It feels great, I mean I can’t describe the feeling, seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces,” said Breckenridge.

The staff at the correctional facility put together the bikes to deliver in advance, along with helmets and locks, to the Kroc Center for the event held on Nov. 30.

The recipients of the bikes were selected by their schools for exemplary behavior this year. Major Rick Peacock, Corps Officer of the San Diego Kroc Center, began the morning program with a blessing for the children and families.

]]>http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/inmates-san-diego-kroc-center-team-up-to-give-200-kids-bikes/feed/0Petaluma Corps partners with local agencies to serve transitional age youthhttp://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/petaluma-corps-partners-with-local-agencies-to-serve-transitional-age-youth/
http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/petaluma-corps-partners-with-local-agencies-to-serve-transitional-age-youth/#respondMon, 10 Dec 2018 23:07:43 +0000http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/?p=27130Unused areas of corps building were transformed to create a new nonprofit center with various services By Vivian Lopez – The Salvation Army Petaluma Corps recently partnered with local agencies Mentor Me and Petaluma People Services Center to broaden their scope of services for transitional age youth on the east side of Petaluma, California, where […]

]]>Unused areas of corps building were transformed to create a new nonprofit center with various services

By Vivian Lopez –

The Salvation Army Petaluma Corps recently partnered with local agencies Mentor Me and Petaluma People Services Center to broaden their scope of services for transitional age youth on the east side of Petaluma, California, where social services are limited. The corps turned an unused portion of its church building into a nonprofit center for its new Transitional Age Youth Service Alliance program.

“There is a great need for [TAYSA],” said Major Mitham Clement, Salvation Army Petaluma Corps Officer. “When we learned there was a need and an opportunity to team up with agencies in the community, we decided we needed to do that to…help people in this area.”

The Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce raised the funds for the remodel and repairs to develop the center. Now, the newly remodeled space includes a community room and lounge area where clients can receive food, charge their phones, access the Internet, computers and printer. Additionally, there are offices used for mental health counseling and career and vocational guidance, as well as a conference room area for meetings with larger families. Youth can be matched with and meet mentors and caseworkers. The center will initially be available only by appointment, but that could change as the facility adds more service hours.

TAYSA had been a year in the works, with the idea stemming from The Salvation Army Petaluma Advisory Board. Deborah Dalton, Mentor Me executive director, is on the board and recommended the collaboration after the board met with the director of PPSC.

“We’ve always wanted to do more collaborative projects,” Dalton said. “We can just do much more when we are working together and having collaborative projects and sharing space is a natural way to sustain that.”

PPSC needed office space to connect transitional age youth to employment and vocational programming in the east side of the city, while Mentor Me was also looking to expand its presence in Petaluma.

“On the east side of town there aren’t a lot of social services—The Salvation Army is it,” said David Adams, Salvation Army Petaluma Advisory Board chairman, who oversaw the logistics for the remodel. “These programs [Mentor Me and PPSC] are on the west side of town. The east side of town didn’t have those organizations represented. TAYSA became a total win-win for all of the organizations.”

So, together with The Salvation Army, the organizations form TAYSA, cross-promoting each of their areas of service.

The Salvation Army offers help through its utility assistance services and food distribution program, which it took over earlier this year when the city’s only major food bank shut down. The corps also connects them to its social services for housing, substance abuse rehabilitation at a local Adult Rehabilitation Center, and its Tuesday mobile shower service if they are homeless.

Additionally, the corps provides youth served by Mentor Me and PPSC with required community service hours for their education or careers. Mentor Me is focusing on linking youth with mentors to get them back on their path to educational re-entry and high school completion. PPSC works with the youth to connect them with housing assistance, counseling and postsecondary education and career development.

“It’s big deal to have these programs—which have been established programs in our town for 40 years—come into the Army,” Adams said. “[Now] we can offer more, utilize the campus better, get more folks here [and spread] more awareness of the Army in the community, which has paid off because we are now finding more volunteers to help us [and] companies are approaching us, asking, ‘What can we help you with?’”

Dalton said she hopes she is able to engage the youth, while also spreading awareness of all The Salvation Army is capable of accomplishing in Petaluma.

“This [age group] is a very hard to reach population. They are disconnected from everyone—from their education and their families,” Dalton said. “My goal is to not only be able to make a significant difference in housing these young people and getting them clean and substance free and back in school and into the workforce, but also for the community to see The Salvation Army as a nonprofit partner agency.”

As far as plans for the future, Dalton said the agencies will work together to coordinate events and street outreach to reach more youth in need.

“I really [want the youth to] learn to identify and utilize resources and develop trust in adults again,” Dalton said. “We want to reconnect displaced and homeless youth to families, to sobriety, to education and to employment to really re-instill hope in these people who are really on the edge and are probably our most vulnerable population in our city.”

Clement expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate for the good of youth in the city, and excitement for what’s to come.

“Hopefully, we are able to grow and meet the needs of the youth, not only on this side of Petaluma, but in all our service areas as needed,” Clement said. “We’re really looking forward to continue working with the other organizations to provide this wonderful service to the community, [while] extending the Lord.”